Has anyone ever gone on a cruise with their kids? I may have the oportunity to go on a cruise, but I'm not entirely certain I want to take a trip of a lifetime and bring my children. Don't get me wrong, I love them, but this could be a real opportunity for my husband and I, one we may not get again! And one the kids may not even remember, or appreciate.
My children are ages 3, 4, 8, and 9. 3 boys and 1 girl. Like any other kids mine argue and fight, so I keep seeing this vision of vacation disaster.
If they were older, with the youngest being 6 or 7, it would be different. Like you mentioned, they won't remember it, and may possibly ruin it for you and hubby.
Time to call Grandma!
Kelly H.
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Kelly H.
The HOMEWriter
http://www.thehomewriter.com
I have a friend who went on the Disney Cruise with her kids and her Mother~ a trip that was specifically intended for the kids. But, I have many friends who went on cruises without the kids and felt like new people when they returned! And if you're brave enough (or your kids are lucky enough) maybe you will take them on a family cruise when they are old enough to appreciate it and be able to partake in the many wonderful cruise activities.
Just because you have kids doesn't mean you can't take the time to be with your spouse and enjoy each other~ I would kill for that opportunity now! I'm hanging in there until October for a mini-cruise to the Bahamas for a relative's wedding~ our Anniversary is also in October, so it doubles as an Anniversary gift & much needed vacation! :D
Good luck & go enjoy yourselves, sans kids!
Location: California, moving to Ohio summer of 2002
Posts: 3
I have taken two cruises with my kids and had a good time but would advise you against taking so many kids at such a young age. My kids are well traveled and well behaved but there are lots of things you can't control with travel and your group is pretty young. On one cruise my two year old became seasick and we spent the first two days in the cabin, things like this are a good reason to keep the kids at home. You will have so much fun with your husband, take advantage!
Hi, about taking kids on cruises. If I even remotely had the chance of life time to go I would. And I would take my son. They have child care aboard cruises for children who are 5 years and older. And it's true that most children would not remember. But if it was as spectacular as you would dream they will remember. I can remember things that happened when I was three. So can my son. The chance of a lifetime. What if circumstances prevent him from ever getting a chance like that. TAKE PICTURES. At least he will be able to say I did that when I was little. Not they dumped me at grandmas and had the times of their lives. You'll end up regretting not taking them. And kids or no kids you can still spend quality time with the man in your life. Think about it.
When we went on our honeymoon cruise 11 yrs ago, we talked to several other couples on the Disney Cruise who had their children with them. They said it was the best cruise ever. They said they hardly saw their children during the day because there were so many activities for ALL age groups. This was The Big Red Boat. When our cruise was nearly over, I asked for the information on the 9 & 15 yr. old group activities so that when we decided to take another cruise, my children could come with us. The activity lists were fantastic! There were scavenger hunts, games, swim time, dances, etc. We were even interviewed by a young man who was about 12 or 13 on our next to the last night there. He was on a scavenger hunt and had to talk to people and find out where they were from and one interesting fact about them. It was such a neat idea! Good luck!
Our family just went on a week cruise with 30 other adults and 10 kids ranging in age from just turning 2 to 9 years old. (mine are 2 and 5) We went on a carnival cruise and it was very kid friendly! They have Camp Carnival where the kids, ages 2 and up could go every morning until noon, from 2:00 until 5:00 and 7:00 until 10:00. After 10:00 at night you could pay a babysitting fee until 2:00. The kids were divided into age groups. Even the teens looked like they were having fun. The kids loved the camp and we loved the flexability of keeping the kids when they wanted to stay with us or putting them in camp. Some nights we took them to the show other nights they stayed in camp for themed activities. There was a family craft night and the last day at sea was family day with games on deck, a scavenger hunt and ice cream eating contest. We had the late seating for dinner. That gave us the option of feeding the kids earlier and putting them in camp so we could have a peaceful dinner. They came with us a couple of times to dinner and that was fun too. The waiters would sing and dance nightly. My two year old always asks, "when are we going on a cruise again?" If you want a family vacation I would definately say yes to a cruise with kids. (provided you look into kid activities available) If you want a romantic cruise for two then I guess you would have to leave them home. My sister and brother-in-law have gone on several cruises with the kids and think Carnival cruise line is the most kid friendly but Royal Carribean is more upscale. I would cruise with the kids again in a heartbeat!
I have three words for you (Disney Cruise Line) I took my dd sho was 19 at the time on this cruise line and had a ball. Have never been treated so well in my life. Of all the kids we saw on that ship all we heard was happy reports and whinning ( do we have to stay with you, we what to go and play at the lab). They have a whole deck just for kids and a pool just for them also.
The food was excellent and the service was top of the line, we had so much fun we are going to do it again in Jan. of 2003
Its great fun for the two of us to be best buds for a while.
My dh said the only was I could get him on a cruise is if he could troll behind the ship, so the two of us go and have a ball
Never mind the crusie.... my husband and I have never been on any vacation since my daughter is born.
I just want to get away by ourselves or as a family this summer.... anywhere
As for the crusie, I have heard a mixed bag of things. If you go onone geared for children it can be fun, however, you may worry alot. Then again, I have also heard some real horror stories.
Cruising with kids? 
Don't get me wrong, I love them, but this could be a real opportunity for my husband and I, one we may not get again! And one the kids may not even remember, or appreciate. 
Good luck!
